7 levels of Tension

7 levels of tension were created by Jacques Lecoq.  However they were later rediscovered by Max Stafford-Clack.

The 7 levels of tension allow actors to display various degrees tension.

1.       JELLYFISH. There is no tension in the body at all. Exhausted, catatonic, complete relaxation, little-no movement.

2.       CALIFORNIA SURFER DUDE. Hardly any tension. Laid back, chillaxed. Just enough tension to move slightly.

3.       NEUTRAL. The state of tension before anything happens. No past, no future, in the present, aware. (Shoulders down and set back. Feet  are hip width apart)

4.       CURIOUS. Some tension in the body, maybe in the neck/shoulders. Looking at things. Sitting down. Standing up. Fidgety and indecisive. What’s in the room?

5.       SUSPICIOUS SPY. The tension is clear in the body, concentrated in the eyes. Wary, suspicious. Breathing may get faster. The crisis is about to happen. Are you being followed? Is someone watching you? Is there a bomb in the room?

6.       OPERA. The tension has exploded out of the body. It is difficult to control. Passion, anger, fear, hilarity, despair - every emotion is extreme. There is a frenzy of movement. Someone is chasing you. There is a snake in the shower. There IS a bomb in the room.

7.       BOMB. The body is solid tension. Rigid, petrified, unable to move. The bomb is about to go off!!!

After doing this experiment I have learnt about different levels of tension, also what situation would be good to use them.

I my Killing Our Love Lives monologue, I think it would use the third level, however I may need to tense my body slightly as my monologue continuous.

In my Spoonface monologue, I think I would use the third level as I am a child and I’m pretty relaxed about the situation, however I would be fidgeting a little.

In my After the End monologue, I think my character would be at the forth level, as I will be fidgeting a lot and very aware about where I am and who I am talking to.